Golf training apparatus

ABSTRACT

A golf training apparatus for providing fundamentals for making a proper shoulder turn while executing a golf swing. The apparatus includes a garment with at least one pocket secured to the garment. The at least one pocket has a plurality of openings, and a rod that can be inserted into the openings of the at least one pocket.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 63/037,349, filed on 10 Jun. 2020. The co-pending provisionalapplication is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entiretyand is made a part hereof, including but not limited to those portionswhich specifically appear hereinafter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention relates to golf training apparatus for providingfundamentals for proper body alignment while executing a golf swing.

Description of Prior Art

Various training devices related to proper techniques while golfing areknown. The use of alignment sticks in golf is a fundamental trainingtool where slender sticks may be placed on the ground to aid the golferin proper body alignment and aim. When executing a golf swing, properaim of a golf club to hit a golf ball in a certain direction and/or at acertain distance, requires specific movements and positioning of variousparts of the body. Such movements and positioning include properalignment of the feet, hips, chest, shoulders, head and neck in relationto the golf club and golf ball; and maintaining the proper form whilemoving the body through and executing a golf swing.

Known uses of alignment sticks can help with proper initial alignment,however, proper execution of a golf swing relies heavily on maintainingalignment while moving through the swing, which is difficult to monitorwith a stationary alignment stick (often on the ground). As such,additional alignment tools are desired to provide more accuratecorrections and maintenance of proper golf wings, as various parts ofthe body move through a golf swing motion.

The golf training apparatus according to the present invention allows agolfer to make a full shoulder turn without having to hold an alignmentstick in place with their hands, or place it on the ground. This allowsa golfer to continuously hit golf balls while practicing properalignments and movements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The golf training apparel apparatus of the invention provides thefundamentals for making proper body placements while completing a golfswing. The general object of the invention can be attained, at least inpart, through a golf training apparatus that includes a garment, atleast one pocket secured to the garment, a plurality of openings on theat least one pocket, a channel adjacent to the plurality of openings,and a removeable rod inserted into the channel.

A first opening of the plurality of openings is on a first end of the atleast one pocket. A second opening of the plurality of openings is on asecond end of the at least one pocket. The second end is opposite thefirst end. The removeable rod is inserted into the channel through thefirst opening or the second opening. The removeable rod protrudesthrough an opening opposite the first opening or the second opening. Thechannel extends from the first opening to the second opening, and anyspace between therethrough. The rod has a diameter ranging from ⅛″ to4″. A surface area of an interior space of the channel is slightlylarger than the diameter of the rod. The garment also includes a sensorand a sensor attachment. The sensor transfers data from a wearer of thegolf training apparatus, to an application.

The garment includes a piece of clothing for covering a torso of a humanbody. The piece of clothing includes t-shirts, polo shirts, shirts,sweaters, jackets, and jerseys. In one embodiment of the invention, thegarment is a shirt. The channel extends in a lateral direction across achest area of the shirt. A length of the rod extends past the chest areaof the shirt in at least one direction. The rod has a length rangingfrom 1 inch to 50 inches.

In one embodiment of the invention, the garment includes a piece ofclothing for covering a lower body. The piece of clothing includesshorts, pants, and capris. In one embodiment of the invention, thegarment includes a hat.

A general object of the invention can also be attained through a golftraining apparatus that includes a garment that is a piece of clothingworn on a torso of a human body. The apparatus includes at least onechannel secured to an inside of the garment. The at least one channelhas at least one section. The apparatus also includes a plurality ofopenings on at least one end of the channel. The plurality of openingsprovide access to the at least one channel from an outside of thegarment. The apparatus also includes a rod that fits inside the at leastone channel.

The at least one channel extends laterally across a chest section of thegarment. The rod includes a length. The length is greater than a lateralwidth of the at least one channel. The rod extends laterally across thechest section of the garment through the at least one channel. The rodprotrudes from at least one opening of the at least one channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this inventionwill be better understood from the following detailed description takenin conjunction with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a golfer using a golf training apparatus according to oneexemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of a golf training apparatus according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a front view of a golf training apparatus according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a front view of a garment as part of a golf trainingapparatus according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a front view of a garment as part of the golf trainingapparatus according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows an everted front view of a garment as part of the golftraining apparatus according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 shows a partial everted view of a garment as part of a golftraining apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a partial front view of a golf training apparatus accordingto one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows a partial front view of a golf training apparatus accordingto one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of a golf training apparatus according toone embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 shows a golf training apparatus according to one embodiment ofthe invention; and

FIG. 12 shows a golf training apparatus according to one embodiment ofthe invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The apparatus of the claimed invention includes an alignment stick orrod inserted into a garment. The rod provides visual feedback to agolfer as he or she is making a turn throughout a golf swing. Thealignment stick/rod provides visual indicators that a proper golf turnis being accomplished by allowing a golfer to properly practicepositions of backswing (left shoulder under chin), impact (shouldersparallel to the ground) and follow through or finish (left shoulderpoint left of target), among others.

When making a proper shoulder turn during a golf swing, an end of therod points at the golf ball the golfer is aiming to make contact with.The end of the rod may also point slightly past the ball depending onthe specific golfer's flexibility level. Visual cues provided by thegolf training apparatus deliver immediate feedback that can be used bythe golfer with or without a golf club, or while hitting golf balls.

While utilizing the golf training apparel apparatus, a golfer is able tofeel how the upper body (the shoulders and chest) should properly turnin relation to the lower body (hips, legs and feet) to create properresistance for a successful golf swing. The golf training apparatusallows the golfer to feel the proper torque needed to generate anincrease in club head speed using the muscles of the golfer's torso. Themuscles of the lower body, head and neck, are also important and can bemonitored by the apparatus as well.

FIG. 1 shows a golf training apparatus 100 being utilized by a golferduring a golf swing. The golf training apparatus 100 provides indicatorsof proper alignment and other form to maintain and/or improve a golfswing and stance. As shown in FIG. 2, the golf training apparatus 100primarily includes a garment 102 (shown as a shirt 152 in thisembodiment covering a torso portion 150 of the body), and a removeablerod 108 that is removably integrated with the garment 102. Theremoveable rod 108 may also be referred to as an alignment stick orrotational rod. When the rod 108 is added to the garment, the rod 108provides and teaches proper alignment fundamentals on how to square up agolfer's body to a target line by adding a rigid placement that pushesagainst a user's shoulders when executing a golf swing. The rod providesthe golfer with the ability to properly align his or her shoulders totheir feet by making sure the shoulders and feet are parallel or squareto the target line.

The garment 102 includes a plurality of openings 106 across a chest area128 of the torso 150. The plurality of openings 106 provide accesspoint(s) on the garment 102 through which the rod 108 can be inserted. Alength 140 of the rod 108 protrudes through openings 106 a and 106 b, sothat the length 140 of the rod 108 extends past shoulders of a wearer. Aportion of the rod 108 sits inside a channel 110 on the garment 102. Thechannel 110 holds the rod 108 in place when the apparatus is in use by agolfer. The rod 108 may vary in length depending on the size of thegolfer and subsequent garment 102. The rod 108 acts as an alignmentstick that may be inserted into the channel 110 to maintain a rigidappearance across the chest of the golfer wearing the golf trainingapparatus 100.

The length of the accompanying rod can range anywhere between 1 inch and50 inches, preferably 6 inches to 48 inches in length. The rod may beeven greater in length depending upon the specific sport and trainingexercise the apparatus is being used for. For example, a longer rod maybe desired to interact with a user's shoulders when making a full (longdrive) golf swing. A shorter rod may be used for shorter game practice(such as putting or chipping). For shorter game practice, a shorter rodmay be placed in the garment and may not protrude all the way throughthe channel. In such a case, a rod can be desirably placed on only theright of left side of the channel. Additionally, the rod is preferablycylindrical, although other shapes such as triangular, rectangular, oroval may be used. In additional embodiments, the apparatus may includemore than one rod at variable lengths, diameters, and shapes.

FIG. 3 shows the apparatus 100 with a garment 102 according to oneembodiment of the invention where the rod 108 is visible on an outsideof the chest area 128 of the garment 102 through openings 106. Thisembodiment does not necessarily include a channel.

FIG. 4 shows a shirt 152 according to the apparatus, without the rod. Asshown, the channel 110 and openings 106 appear as merely an aestheticfeature of the shirt 152 when the rod is not being used. Such a featurecan include a stripe, as shown, or any other aesthetically pleasingdesign such as, but not limited to, a screen-printed design on thechannel. Such aesthetics help conceal the alignment features of thegarment when the apparatus is not in use. The openings can also beconcealed in the aesthetic features of the garment. The openings canalso be manufactured to stand out against the garment so as to betteridentify the openings against the channel and/or garment, such as with ascreen-printed identifying mark or colored stitching 170 as shown inFIG. 4. In one embodiment, the openings include elastic loops or otherelastic pieces at entrances to the openings on the channel. This elasticfeature can aid to conceal the openings when not in use, and can alsohold the rod more tightly in place inside the channel when in use. Alateral width 148 of the channel 110 extends across at least a portionof the chest area 128. The shirt 152 can also be any suitable garment towear while golfing such as, but not limited to: t-shirts, polos,pull-overs, vests, jackets and sweaters. Therefore, the subsequentchannel and openings may vary in size and shape based on the garmentselected for wear.

FIG. 5 shows an outside 144 of a garment 102 also without the rod. Asshown, the garment 102 includes at least one pocket 104 imbedded on thegarment 102. The at least one pocket 104 houses the channel 110 throughwhich the rod can be placed. In this embodiment, the garment 102includes two pockets 104. The two pockets 104 are split along a centerof the garment 102 to account for the aesthetic features of the garment102 (such as a V-neck or polo shirt). As such, the channel 110 isdivided into two sections 142. The channel 110 is therefore adjacent tofour openings 106 a, 106 b, 106 c, and 106 d. While this garment 102 hasa divided channel 110 and two pockets 104, the channel and pocketsremain uniformly aligned so that a rod 108 (not shown here) can beinserted through all the openings 106, from a first end 112 of a pocket104, through a second end 114 of a pocket 104 (or vise versa).

A garment with multiple sections can mean certain embodiments of theapparatus can include multiple rods, channels, and pockets and/ordifferent length rods and orientations. For example, a singular,one-piece channel may be used for a shirt with no separation across thechest area or neckline (such as a standard t-shirt). A channel with twosections may be used for a shirt, such as a polo, that has buttons, hookand loop closure, or zipper portions across the chest area of the shirt.A channel with two sections may have two uneven sections, such asquarter, half or ¾-sized sections in relation to the overall garment.Certain garments will require specific size and locations of sections ofchannels depending on training requirements and apparel logistics.

The overall fit of the garment 102 on the golfer is preferably a snug,tapered fit with minimum free-flowing movement of the garment fabric.This insures that the rod 108 will stay relatively in place when thegolfer utilizes it for proper alignment techniques (as opposed to moreloosely fitted clothing). However, the overall fit of the garment 102may vary in size, fit, and also in fabric such as cotton, polyester,wool, elastane, spandex and any combination thereof. Likewise, thematerial of the at least one pocket 104 may be designed to further aidin holding the rod 108 securely in place while the golfer practicesswinging or hitting golf balls. Such an example includes using a fabricwith a higher elastic or elastane content for both the pocket(s) and/orchannel(s).

FIG. 6 shows the garment 102 everted, showing an inside 146 of thegarment 102. An interior space 116 of the channel 110 includes a surfacearea 118 that is sized and shaped slightly larger than a diameter of therod (shown in more detail in FIG. 7). Therefore, when the rod isinserted through the channel(s) 110, the rod fits snuggly in place toaccommodate movement of the wearer when executing a golf swing or othermovements. The openings 106 may be accessed directly, or they may alsobe opened and closed via hook and loop closures, snaps, buttons,magnetic components and the like. The rod 108 may be inserted at any oneor more openings 106 on the garment 102. The channel 110 can hold andfit a rod 108 the measures anywhere from ⅛ in to 4 inches thick indiameter, preferably ¼ in. to 5/16 in. The diameter of each channelpocket needed to hold the accompanied rod can therefore also vary andmay range anywhere from ¼ in to 5 inches in diameter, preferably ¼ in to3 inches.

The placement and size of channel(s) and/or pocket(s) can vary basedupon apparel type, and the diameter and length of the accompaniedrod(s). The channel pockets can also vary based on a weight of rod(s),the technological advancement of (or use of) an additional generalalignment stick (as known in the art, discussed above), and positioningmade relative to a specific sport (such as sports other than golf). Forexample, different weights, placements, and alignments can be attainedfor jerseys or other uniforms for sports like football, baseball,basketball, tennis and soccer (among others). The apparatus can providetrainers and athletes alike from any number of sports or activities withfundamental teachings for making a proper body rotation, turn, or move,ultimately resulting in effective athletic movements.

When using the apparatus 100 in conjunction with an additional alignmentstick, a first alignment stick may be placed on the ground and runparallel to a golfer's feet so that the feet are in a straight line.When the alignment stick on the ground and the golf training apparatusare aligned, there can be an indicator or signal that the player's feetand shoulders are aligned parallel to a target.

FIG. 7 shows a close-up view of a portion of the inside 146 of thegarment 102. The pocket 104 and channel 110 are sewn into the garmentfrom the inside 146. The channel is designed to be attached into a pieceof apparel using various methods and materials. These materials mayinclude, but are not limited to, stitching with various materials,buttons, and hook and loop closures. These materials may also beconsidered for placement into an external strap, harness, or by othermeans necessary to provide maximum training performance. The channel(s)and pocket(s) that are attached to the garment are built in a way thatallows for easy insertion and removal of the rod by a trainee and/orindividual user.

The materials that can be used to create the channels and pockets canvary and be of any type of fabric such as: cloth, spandex, and neoprenematerial, among others. The material used should be best suited toprovide maximum training performance for the desired activity or sport,while maintaining ease of use and feel for the wearer. Regardless of thematerials used, the garment preferably includes a dual-layerconstruction. As such, the materials used to attach the pockets/channelsto the inside of the garment are separate pieces from the overallmaterials to make the whole garment. Therefore, the openings do notprotrude through the entire garment—this keeps the overall garmentintact, and does not require the rod to make contact with a user's skinor the inside of the garment.

FIG. 8 shows a partial front view of the garment 102. Beneath a centerof the channel 110, the garment includes a sensor 120. The sensor 120can collect and/or transmit data obtained from the golf trainingapparatus 100. Any suitable sensor device may be used. The sensor 120 isremoveable from the garment 102 via a sensor attachment 122 as shown inFIG. 9. The sensor attachment 122 can include button attachments, hookand loop attachments, and snap attachments, among others. The sensorattachment 122 allows the sensor to be added and removed from thegarment with ease. In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor and/orsensor attachment are placed inside the channel. The channel can includeplacement for both the rod and the sensor and/or sensor attachment. Thechannel can also include a subsequent channel specifically for thesensor and/or sensor attachment apart from the channel that houses therod. As such, the sensor may still collect and/or transmit data with orwithout the rod inside the channel.

The garment may include other aesthetic features such as buttons 160 asshown in FIGS. 8-9. The buttons do not interfere with the ability of theapparatus to maintain proper alignment. A preferred placement of thechannel 110 on a polo shirt (a common shirt worn for golfing) withbuttons 160 as shown on the chest area includes placement of the channelin between the top button and second-most top button (approximately 1-2inches below the neckline of the garment). Other placements may be usedas well.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary schematic where data 124 is obtained frommovement of the rod 108 on the apparatus 100. The data 124 is collectedby the sensor 120 and transmitted to a separate application 126. The rodacts as an indicator and informs the golfer that his shoulders hips, andfeet are square to a target line. Not only will the rod, when activated,measure the shoulder or rotation turn, it will also provide a signalfrom the sensor (in the form of a beep, light or other acceptable formof communication) that a shoulder turn has gone past certain parameters.This further aids the golfer to ensure proper rotation and alignment.

A rotational swing, such as used in golf, also relates to other sports.The training apparatus according to embodiments of this invention cantherefore also provide instructions to create effective swing releasesand proper torque in various activities and movements. A rotation by auser can provide feedback to the user on making a greater rotationalturn to increase torque and swing speed. The data may also measure aball spin rate to increase travel distance and launch angles.

FIG. 10 showcases the various data locations 124 where the rod may beplaced from the perspective of a golfer as the rod relates to thealignment and swing of a golf club. The sensor and a central processingunit (CPU) can combine to capture swing information and then feed thedata 124 wirelessly to the application 126 for further processing.

Algorithms stored within a website and/or user applications can use theinformation provided by the sensor, collected and communicated by theCPU, and calculate various swing metrics for reporting to the user. Thewebsite or application can then report instant feedback to the user suchas, but not limited to: symmetry and alignment score, actual rotationalangles and speed of swing. The application may feature a “beep”response, if the user chooses to use it, where there is a quick feedbacksound that indicates a level of success (or correction needed) at eachphase of a swing.

Ultimately, the application may store historical metrics and allow for auser to share these metrics and progress directly with a coach forreview. Live sessions may also be available for real-time training andcoaching sessions as an extended service offered to a subscribed networkof certified professionals, school teams and other professional coaches.

Applications of this invention include, but are not limited to: shirts,vests, sweatshirts, jackets, pullovers, hoodies, pants, shorts, socks,shoes, belts, hats, caps, sports equipment bags and backpacks.

FIG. 11 shows a golf training apparatus 200 according to one embodimentof the invention. The apparatus 200 includes a garment 202 to be worn ona lower part of the body 154, such as pants or shorts as shown. Theapparatus 200 includes a rod 208 that can be distributed across a hiparea 228 of the body so as to monitor proper hip placement during a golfswing or other action.

FIG. 12 shows a golf training apparatus 300 according to one embodimentof the invention. The apparatus 300 includes a garment 302 to be worn onthe head (a hat 156 as shown). The apparatus 300 includes a rod 308 thatis an inverted “T” shape. The rod 308 can be distributed across a brimof the hat 156 so as to monitor proper head and neck placement during agolf swing or other action.

One or more rods according to the claimed invention can be stored ortransferred in a storage sleeve or a sheath. The storage sleeve orsheath can attach externally or fit internally into a golf bag or othercarrier/tote, including: backpacks, softball or baseball carry totes, orany other sports or leisure related carrier or tote.

The storage sleeve is preferably made of material that protects andsecures the rod while being transferred and can include storage forother alignment/rotation stick accessories (such as sensors). The designof the storage sleeve or sheath can provide ease of access whilepracticing or training as well as provide ease of storage.

While in the foregoing specification this invention has been describedin relation to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and many detailshave been set forth for purpose of illustration, it will be apparent tothose skilled in the art that the device and placard are susceptible toadditional embodiments and that certain of the details described hereincan be varied considerably without departing from the basic principlesof the invention.

1. A golf training apparatus comprising: a garment; at least one pocketsecured to the garment, the pocket having at least two openings; achannel formed between the at least two openings; and a removeable rodinserted into the channel.
 2. The golf training apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising a first opening of the at least two openingson a first end of the at least one pocket.
 3. The golf trainingapparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a second opening ofthe at least two openings on a second end of the at least one pocket,wherein the second end is opposite the first end.
 4. The golf trainingapparatus according to claim 3 wherein the removeable rod is insertedinto the channel through the first opening or the second opening, andwherein the removeable rod protrudes through an opening opposite thefirst opening or the second opening.
 5. The golf training apparatusaccording to claim 3 wherein the channel extends from the first openingto the second opening, and any space between therethrough.
 6. The golftraining apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the rod has a diameterranging from ⅛″ to 4″.
 7. The golf training apparatus according to claim6 wherein a surface area of an interior space of the channel is slightlylarger than the diameter of the rod.
 8. The golf training apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the garment further comprises a sensor anda sensor attachment, wherein the sensor is configured to transfer datafrom a wearer of the golf training apparatus, to an application.
 9. Thegolf training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the garmentcomprises a piece of clothing for covering a torso of a human body. 10.The golf training apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the piece ofclothing is selected from the group consisting of t-shirts, polo shirts,shirts, sweaters, jackets, and jerseys.
 11. The golf training apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the garment is a shirt.
 12. The golftraining apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the channel extends ina lateral direction across a chest area of the shirt.
 13. The golftraining apparatus according to claim 12 wherein a length of the rodextends beyond the chest area of the shirt in at least one direction.14. The golf training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the rod hasa length ranging from 1 inch to 50 inches.
 15. The golf trainingapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the garment comprises a piece ofclothing for covering a lower body.
 16. The golf training apparatusaccording to claim 15 wherein the piece of clothing is selected from thegroup consisting of shorts, pants, and capris.
 17. The golf trainingapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the garment comprises a hat. 18.A golf training apparatus comprising: a garment, wherein the garment isa piece of clothing configured to be worn on a torso of a human body; atleast one channel secured to an inside of the garment, wherein the atleast one channel comprises at least one section; a plurality ofopenings on at least one end of the channel, wherein the plurality ofopenings provide access to the at least one channel from an outside ofthe garment; and a rod configured to fit inside the at least onechannel.
 19. The golf training apparatus according to claim 18 whereinthe at least one channel extends laterally across a chest section of thegarment.
 20. The golf training apparatus according to claim 19 whereinthe rod comprises a length, wherein the length is greater than a lateralwidth of the at least one channel, and wherein the rod extends laterallyacross the chest section of the garment through the at least onechannel, configured to protrude from at least one opening of the atleast one channel.